Whitby HSBC bank closure: councillor urges rethink on 'very retrograde' decision

The town’s branch, at the end of Baxtergate, is expected to close on May 16, 2023 – one of 114 closures nationwide.

But Cllr David Jeffels, chairman of Scarborough Council’s Lives and Homes scrutiny committee, feared that if the closure was to go ahead as planned next spring, it could also result in the loss of the ATM cash machine in the town centre, hitting local spending power.

“This very retrograde step will hit not only residents but also the hundreds of thousands of tourists who make Whitby one of the most successful holiday destinations in the UK,” he said.“Over many decades HSBC and its predecessor Midland Bank has been well supported by residents and local businesses throughout the Whitby area.

"The company should be seeking to promote its image in the town and support the many businesses who rely on its services and who have given HSBC their business for generations.”

It is the latest blow for bankers in Whitby following the loss over the past couple of years of Virgin Money – formerly Yorkshire Bank – Lloyds TSB and NatWest, which is now Papa’s chippy.

Cllr Jeffels, who is also a member of the Local Government Association’s tourism and culture board, has written to HSBC seeking a meeting in a bid to overturn the closure decision.

”I hope we can explore ways of retaining the service of this long-respected bank by emphasising Whitby’s prominent position in the national and international tourism world," he added.